Eltham in New Kent County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Peninsula Campaign

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2021

1. Peninsula Campaign Marker

Inscription. After fighting to a draw in the Battle of Williamsburg on 5 May 1862, Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's army withdrew toward Richmond. Union Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, hoping to block Johnston's line of retreat, ordered a division under Brig. Gen. William B. Franklin to steam up the York River and disembark across from West Point, about a mile northeast of here. Franklin's men unloaded at a pontoon wharf and deployed in the nearby woods on 6-7 May. Confederate troops under Maj. Gen. Gustavus W. Smith attacked in this vicinity on 7 May and pushed the Union forces back toward the river, allowing Johnston's main column to proceed westward without interference.

Erected 2016 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number WO-31.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 5, 1862.

Location. 37° 31.189′ N, 76° 49.906′ W. Marker is in Eltham, Virginia, in New Kent County. Marker is on Eltham Road (Virginia Route 30/33) 0.1 miles south of Virginia Avenue (Virginia Route 669), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 18600 Eltham Rd, West Point VA 23181, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Eltham (here, next to this marker); New Kent County (here, next to this marker); The Brick House (a few steps from this marker); Battle of Eltham’s Landing (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Eltham's Landing (approx. 1.3 miles away); Mt. Nebo Baptist Church (approx. 2 miles away); Home of Signer (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Grove Hotel (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eltham.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker replaced an Old Marker At This Location titled “Peninsular Campaign".

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2021

2. Peninsula Campaign Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 212 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 2, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.